Bluebirds snap up former defender Traore on short-term deal

8th November 2019, 19:38 by Simon Barlow

Cardiff City have re-signed defender Armand Traore on a short-term contract as Neil Warnock brings in cover for Joe Bennett.

Traore, who made four appearances for Cardiff during a loan spell in the 2017-18 season, is able to join now because he did not have a club and his addition could be crucial over the upcoming busy Christmas and New Year period.

“He’s been with us six weeks and he’s just about got up to fitness,” said the Cardiff boss, who also had Traore under his charge at Queens Park Rangers from 2010-2012.

“It’s a short contract in case anything happens. Fans know him. He’s got a very good left foot and loads of ability. He has trained really hard in the time he has been with us. It’s an appearance-based contract as well, so it’s up to him.”

Traore began his career at Arsenal and the 30-year-old has also had spells with Portsmouth, Juventus, QPR and Nottingham Forest during a much-travelled career that also took him to Turkish Super Lig side Caykur Rizespor last season.

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The Bluebirds have managed with just one senior, recognised left-back this season – Joe Bennett – after allowing Republic of Ireland international Greg Cunningham join Blackburn Rovers on loan.

They retained a recall clause in Cunningham’s loan contract in case he was needed in January, but the 28-year-old sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury last month which will keep him sidelined for most, if not all, of the season.

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Traore’s arrival takes some of the pressure off Bennett, who by his own lofty standards, has not hit the heights he reached in last year’s Premier League campaign.

Simon Barlow has a wealth of journalism experience and in-depth knowledge in a number of sports. As well as his extensive football knowledge, Simon is also well versed on cricket, tennis, American Football and cycling amongst others.

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